Dear friends and neighbors,

I was discussing with some co-workers this morning about people that have influenced them in their lives. 

In the spirit of April, it reminded me of my friend Russ.  He is lighthearted, has good moral character, is a great listener, is NOT judgmental, is really down to earth, is very knowledgeable, and has a firm grasp on reality.  He has always given me great incite on the future.

They say that hindsight is always 20/20 (relating to correct eye vision).  I’m not sure this is true!  It really depends on the perspective you use to look back. 

If I’m farsighted, then I might only see the events that I connect to from a distance, missing the messages from those closest to me. 

If I’m nearsighted, I might only see the events of the day or those that are directly related to me and can’t see the full picture.  “I can’t see the forest because of the trees.” 

Looking back at this past month with an eye focused on controlling everything in my life, I might see all the chaos in the world: the Russian invasion of Ukraine, inflation with price increases everywhere, the political posturing of elected officials, increasing interest rates, and/or the fear of the unknown.  These are all changes that we don’t have control over.  This perspective allows anxiety to take hold of us and leads us down a path of pain and regret.

I choose to look back with an Eternal perspective, looking back using the view of our Lord and Savior.  Listening to our Prophets to see more clearly the path He has prepared for us while turning down the volume of all the things the world would have us waste our time worrying about. 

The path might include doing a good job at work, meeting your boss’s expectations, finishing a large school project early, connecting with others, loving through kind words and actions, finishing honey duelist, thinking of others before yourself, expressing love and gratitude to those close and to the stranger in the store, and acknowledging all the good in the world. 

Some say this is being optimistic, but it is more than optimism.  It starts with what lens you choose to use to focus your perspective while being willing to see and understand the perspectives of others.  Being willing to listen without judgment, acknowledging the viewpoint of the other as their truth regardless of your opinion.

Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn. – Ben Franklin

Tune in and listen to my good friend Russell, this weekend.

Love,

Bishop Jeff Anderson

“Stay Humble, Work Hard, & Be Kind”